The extracellular matrix and cell migration

As we know all too well, pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis largely due to its early tendency to invade, locally and distantly. Recently, scientists in the field have increasingly focused on the desmoplastic reaction, which is characteristic of most pancreatic cancers. This reaction is associated with proliferation of fibroblastic cells, sometimes outnumbering local tumor cells, and consists of abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Importantly, the processes of invasion and metastasis take place within this tumor microenvironment. Stroma and tumor cells exchange signals to modify the local ECM, which subsequently stimulates cell migration and promotes proliferation and survival. Even though recognition of the significance of these microenvironment interactions exists, knowledge on the mechanisms of the interplay among pancreatic cells, myofibroblasts, and the ECM is lacking. Therefore, this 'Pancreatology and the Web' focuses on websites that provide information on the ECM and cell migration.